Environmental qualification (EQ) tests have been conducted at Kinectrics for many years. A large number of safety-related mechanical and electrical components such as valves, instrumentation, junction boxes and cables have been tested.

Recent testing involved the EQ of 4 kV electric motor rewind systems for a major utility’s two nuclear generating stations. Specimens consisted of motor formettes supplied by different rewind manufacturers. These formettes included the exact materials and process for rewinding actual large motors.

The specimens were radiation aged, thermally aged and vibration aged to simulate 20 years of station life. At the end of the aging, the specimens were subjected to a steam design basis accident of five days. A voltage of 4 kV and self-heating current were applied to better simulate actual motor winding conditions. Winding temperature and leakage current to ground were monitored to assess performance.

Typically, the simulated aging of specimens is accelerated aged to simulate radiation, thermal, mechanical wear and vibration. In addition, seismic tests may be required. The EQ is completed with a design basis accident steam test (DBA) of either a loss-of-coolant (LOCA) or main steam line break (MSLB) conditions.

For more information, contact:

John D’Angelo, 416.207.6193, john.dangelo@kinectrics.com